F1 viewers will be without the “it’s lights out and away we go” catchphrase from Croft.
David Croft and Harry Benjamin shake hands in the Bahrain media room. (Image Credit: gpblog.com)
The voice of Formula 1, David Croft – known as Crofty – will be absent from the upcoming 2024 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. The 53-year-old’s voice has become familiar to F1 fans since he took over the BBC Radio 5 Live coverage from Maurice Hamilton in 2006. Then, in 2012, Crofty joined Sky Sports F1.
Handing over the reigns
For the first time since joining Sky Sports in 2012, Crofty will not be the voice heard from the commentary box. Instead, the BBC Five Live lead F1 commentator, Harry Benjamin will be taking over the F1 coverage in Imola.
Benjamin joined the F1 broadcasting team in 2021, leading the Formula 2, Formula 3, and Porsche Supercup coverage. He then joined Sky Sports where his coverage of F1 Juniors and the inaugural season of F1 Academy impressed.
For 2024, Benjamin will lead the Formula 1 coverage instead of Crofty at three select races. This project, intended to give Benjamin exposure and experience, will begin in Imola and continue in Austria and Azerbaijan.
Benjamin: ‘I’m honoured’
During the Sky F1 podcast, Benjamin was asked about the upcoming race weekend. As reported by PlanetF1, he responded:
“Yeah, very excited. I mean, big shoes to fill, but I’m looking forward to it. What a track to do it at as well, Imola, and stood alongside Karun too. I’m honoured.”
Good day at @SkySportsF1 HQ having some commentary practice with @imharrybenjamin ahead of his first weekend with us in Imola!
He’s got big shoes to fill, but sure his size 16 feet will do the job…
Fans of the iconic voice of F1 need not be concerned by his absence. Crofty explained the importance of keeping the broadcast fresh with new perspectives. Speaking to the Independent, he shared:
“It’s more about keeping fresh for the whole season. I’m not getting any younger.”
The newly engaged 53-year-old also wants to take more personal time. He continued:
“I’ve given up and sacrificed a lot for my career. I want to give a bit of time back to my family and not be on the other side of the world. I’m getting married this year as well, so I’ve got a wedding to organise!”
Ever wondered what a F1 commentary box looks like?!
David Croft gives you the full tour and reveals some of his tricks of the trade ?? pic.twitter.com/LvYycGBK5x
However, the commentator is still focused and dedicated to his work. He hopes these breaks will give him further chances to learn and improve his commentary. He added:
“I also want to sit and watch a race at home. I want to enjoy it. Maybe I can learn something by not commentating on a race. I can spot a few things when I’m watching – I want to see what the viewer sees.”
During his career, Crofty has covered over 350 races. He will remain the primary Sky Sports F1 commentator for 21 of the 24 race weekends this season.
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David Croft will miss the Imola Grand Prix – here’s why
Popular Sky Sports F1 commentator, David Croft will be absent from the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix coverage this weekend
Latest Episode | Cut To The Race Podcast
F1 viewers will be without the “it’s lights out and away we go” catchphrase from Croft.
The voice of Formula 1, David Croft – known as Crofty – will be absent from the upcoming 2024 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. The 53-year-old’s voice has become familiar to F1 fans since he took over the BBC Radio 5 Live coverage from Maurice Hamilton in 2006. Then, in 2012, Crofty joined Sky Sports F1.
Handing over the reigns
For the first time since joining Sky Sports in 2012, Crofty will not be the voice heard from the commentary box. Instead, the BBC Five Live lead F1 commentator, Harry Benjamin will be taking over the F1 coverage in Imola.
Benjamin joined the F1 broadcasting team in 2021, leading the Formula 2, Formula 3, and Porsche Supercup coverage. He then joined Sky Sports where his coverage of F1 Juniors and the inaugural season of F1 Academy impressed.
For 2024, Benjamin will lead the Formula 1 coverage instead of Crofty at three select races. This project, intended to give Benjamin exposure and experience, will begin in Imola and continue in Austria and Azerbaijan.
Benjamin: ‘I’m honoured’
During the Sky F1 podcast, Benjamin was asked about the upcoming race weekend. As reported by PlanetF1, he responded:
“Yeah, very excited. I mean, big shoes to fill, but I’m looking forward to it. What a track to do it at as well, Imola, and stood alongside Karun too. I’m honoured.”
Crofty says it’s ‘about keeping fresh’
Fans of the iconic voice of F1 need not be concerned by his absence. Crofty explained the importance of keeping the broadcast fresh with new perspectives. Speaking to the Independent, he shared:
The newly engaged 53-year-old also wants to take more personal time. He continued:
“I’ve given up and sacrificed a lot for my career. I want to give a bit of time back to my family and not be on the other side of the world. I’m getting married this year as well, so I’ve got a wedding to organise!”
However, the commentator is still focused and dedicated to his work. He hopes these breaks will give him further chances to learn and improve his commentary. He added:
“I also want to sit and watch a race at home. I want to enjoy it. Maybe I can learn something by not commentating on a race. I can spot a few things when I’m watching – I want to see what the viewer sees.”
During his career, Crofty has covered over 350 races. He will remain the primary Sky Sports F1 commentator for 21 of the 24 race weekends this season.
Featured Image Credit: @MNmotorsport on Twitter